Complete guide to Fortnite’s January 7 weapon additions with strategies and acquisition methods
Update Overview: Beyond Expectations
Epic Games has deployed an unexpectedly substantial hotfix for Fortnite, significantly expanding the available arsenal across multiple game modes with returning fan favorites.
This January 7 update transcends typical weekly adjustments, introducing substantial weapon rotations that reshape combat dynamics in both Battle Royale and Fortnite OG experiences.
The highlight features the long-awaited return of the Kinetic Blade after its two-year hiatus, alongside the classic Suppressed Submachine Gun joining Fortnite OG’s weapon roster, marking one of the most impactful mid-season updates in recent memory.
Strategic Insight: These additions create new meta opportunities, particularly for players who master the unique mechanics of each returning weapon and understand their optimal use scenarios.
Fortnite OG Additions: Suppressed SMG
The Suppressed Submachine Gun makes its Fortnite OG debut as a tribute to the original season, featuring rapid close-to-medium range engagement capabilities with integrated suppressor technology for stealth operations.
This compact firearm delivers 20 damage per shot at Uncommon Rarity, providing exceptional DPS potential while sacrificing accuracy during sustained automatic fire, making burst firing essential for optimal performance.
Acquisition Methods: Players can secure the Suppressed SMG through multiple channels: standard floor loot discoveries, successful fishing attempts, and various chest types throughout Fortnite OG matches, available across five rarity tiers from Uncommon through Legendary.
Combat Strategy: Utilize the suppressor for flanking maneuvers and surprise attacks. The weapon excels in building-clearing scenarios where its high fire rate can overwhelm opponents before they can establish defensive positions.
Battle Royale Weapon Returns
Three distinctive weapons have rejoined the Battle Royale and Zero Build arsenals: the Kinetic Blade, Lock On Pistol, and Ranger Assault Rifle, each bringing unique tactical advantages to Chapter 6 Season 1’s combat landscape.
The Kinetic Blade’s reintroduction represents the second melee option aligning with the season’s Japanese Samurai aesthetic, answering community demands since its Chapter 4 Season 2 debut and providing an alternative to the prevailing Typhoon Blade meta.
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Kinetic Blade Mechanics: This melee weapon features two combat techniques—the Knockback Slash delivering 35 damage with enemy displacement, and the Dash Attack dealing 60 damage across three charges with 10-second regeneration. Durability decreases 5% per Dash and 1% per Knockback hit.
Acquisition Methods: The Kinetic Blade appears in Battle Royale matches as floor loot, specialized Katana Stands, and various chest types, exclusively available in Epic Rarity for consistent performance.
Lock On Pistol Profile: Originally from Chapter 4 Season 2, this semi-automatic Hitscan weapon incorporates target tracking when aiming down sights, marking enemies within 50 meters. It discharges four targeted rounds with the final shot guaranteeing critical impact, though reloading requires breaking aim.
Acquisition Methods: Secure the Lock On Pistol through floor loot, fishing activities, and chest contents in Battle Royale matches, available solely in Rare Rarity classification.
Ranger Assault Rifle Overview: Debuted in Chapter 3 Season 1, this fully automatic weapon prioritizes precision with methodical firing rhythm and stable handling. At Uncommon tier, it inflicts 31 damage per round, establishing reliable medium-range engagement capabilities.
Acquisition Methods: Obtain the Ranger Assault Rifle from floor loot, fishing endeavors, and chest discoveries in Battle Royale, spanning six rarity levels: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary.
Advanced Strategy: The Kinetic Blade excels in close-quarters rotation and escape scenarios. Use Dash Attacks for rapid positioning changes while conserving durability for critical engagements.
Mythic Ranger Assault Rifle
A Mythic iteration of the Ranger Assault Rifle now circulates within the season’s map following the update, substantially enhancing base performance metrics for elite combat effectiveness.
This premium variant upgrades damage output to 39 per projectile compared to the standard 31, complemented by accelerated reload sequencing and amplified headshot multiplier, establishing it as a premier armament selection.
Acquisition Methods: Players can potentially obtain the Mythic Ranger Assault Rifle in Battle Royale encounters by vanquishing the teleporting Shogun X NPC Boss at designated map locations.
Boss Encounter Tip: Shogun X utilizes teleportation patterns—observe his movement cycle and time your attacks during his brief stationary phases. Team coordination is essential for successfully claiming this powerful weapon.
Event Updates & Future Content
Fortnite’s seasonal Winterfest celebration has formally concluded with this patch implementation. Participants can no longer access Winterfest missions or the specialty Cabin location, closing this year’s complimentary gift acquisition opportunities.
The subsequent Fortnite update promises even greater content expansion, scheduled to introduce Godzilla with potential King Kong appearances, alongside virtual J-pop icon Hatsune Miku collaborations.
For comprehensive coverage of January 7 hotfix introductions, explore the complete armory and item catalog, acquisition guides for all Chapter 6 Season 1 Mythic equipment, and NPC character locations throughout the game world.
Pro Preparation: With major collaborations approaching, consider saving resources for upcoming cosmetic items and familiarizing yourself with current weapon mechanics to maintain competitive advantage through meta shifts.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Fortnite update returns Kinetic Blade after 2 years and more classic weapons Complete guide to Fortnite's January 7 weapon additions with strategies and acquisition methods